Ruth Ann Shadow, 91, of Dodge Center, MN passed away on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at her home.
Ruth was born on August 4, 1934, in Plainview, MN to Henry and Ruth (Haack) Balzum. She attended school in Wykoff, Rochester, and Dodge Center, Minnesota. Following school, she worked at Federated Insurance and Traficante Accordion School in Owatonna. She later worked in Kasson at her husband's accounting office, Bishop & Wachholz, as their bookkeeper until her retirement in 2002.
Ruth married Robert “Bob” Lewis Shadow on December 8, 1956, at Grace Lutheran Church in Dodge Center, MN. After retiring, Ruth and Bob enjoyed camping, going to the NASCAR races, and taking random road trips. She also enjoyed spending time with her family, wonderful neighbors and friends. Her biggest passion was playing the accordion. She taught at Traficante Accordion School and also played the accordion with The Silver Kings for 31 years.
Ruth is survived by her three daughters, Brenda (Bryce) Frederick of Zumbrota, MN, Odelia Christenson of Plainview, MN, Ramona Shadow of Dodge Center, MN; son, David Shadow of Dodge Center, MN; sister-in-law, Muriel Ann Balzum of Dodge Center, MN; niece, Amy (Dan) Peterson of Dodge Center, MN; extended family members, Ismael "Pete" Hernandez and the Joey Hoffman family; thirteen grandchildren, Jason Shadow, Ginny and Renae Shadow, Justin (Heather) and Niles (Angela) Frederick, Robert and Aaron (Cassandra Walker) Johnson, Sabrina Lehman, Benjamin (Elizabeth) Crary, KatieJo Rud, Anthony (Lindsey) Peck, Jennifer Wytaske, Dustin Grabinger; thirty-three Great Grandchildren and four Great-Great Grandchildren.
Ruth was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Bob; a son, Grant; and her brother, Jon Balzum.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Monday, November 10, 2025, at Faith Lutheran Church, 308 2nd St NW in Dodge Center, MN with Pastor Kristen Schlauderaff officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to her service at the church. Inurnment will be in Wildwood Cemetery in Wasioja, MN.
To share a special memory or condolence please visit http://www.czaplewskifuneralhomes.com. Czaplewski Funeral Homes, 25 South Street SW, Dodge Center, MN 55927 (507)374-2155. Blessed be her memory.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
25 South Street SW PO Box 502, Dodge Center, MN 55927
Memories and condolences can be left on the obituary at the funeral home website.


What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more